Michigan's first 2008 West Nile Virus human case detected

LANSING, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - A Lenawee County man was positively identified Monday as the state's first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for 2008.

The 81-year-old man was hospitalized earlier in August after showing symptoms in late July. He remains hospitalized.

Michigan State University's Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health had earlier detected WNV in a Lenawee County crow that was found dead July 23.

"West Nile Virus is a serious illness and we want to be sure that citizens understand the potential risk associated with WNV infection," said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski. "The months of August and September are when most human cases of WNV have been reported in Michigan."

WNV is transmitted by mosquitoes. The end of summer is when mosquitoes are older and more likely to carry the virus. Hot and dry weather conditions increase the risk of infections in people. The types of mosquitoes that transmit the virus bite during evening and nighttime hours.

Most people bitten by a WNV infected mosquito show no symptoms of illness. However, some become sick three to 15 days after exposure.

About one-in-five infected persons will have mild illness with fever, and about one in 150 infected people will become severely ill. Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain linings) include stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, convulsions and paralysis.

Persons aged 55 and older are more susceptible to severe WNV disease symptoms.

Michigan residents are being encouraged to:

Maintain window and door screening to keep mosquitoes out of buildings.

Drain puddles in yards, emptying water from mosquito breeding sites such as buckets, troughs, barrels, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active.

Wear light colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

Apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer's directions for use.

Further information on West Nile Virus can be found at www.michigan.gov/westnilevirus, or by calling the statewide toll-free number at 1-888-668-0869.